It may be time to see a qualified dentist, such as Dr. Mini Rangrass at Dental Care Kalamazoo.

In fact, while it’s a good idea to visit Dr. Rangrass regularly, if you are experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity to heat and cold, it’s in your best interest to go see her now – you may need a root canal.

There are several signs that you may need a root canal. In addition to pain or sensitivity, if you experience swelling or tenderness around a tooth or if you have particularly bad breath, you may need a root canal.

However, in many cases you might never know you have a problem. That’s why regular checkups and visits to you Kalamazoo dentist Dr. Rangrass are so important.

While the term “root canal” sounds a little scary, it’s not. In fact, root canals are one of the most common dental procedures done. A root canal is safe, painless, and generally complication free. But most important, that root canal is not only going to bring you relief, it’s probably going to save your tooth so you don’t have to get an implant, a bridge, or dentures.

A tooth is made up of three layers, the enamel -- which is the hard, white outside surface -- the dentin and the interior pulp. The pulp is located in the interior chambers of the tooth and contains soft tissues such as blood vessels and nerves.

What can happen is that pulp can become infected. This happens when a cavity goes untreated, or if you happen to suffer some trauma to the tooth, such as a chip or crack. When the pulp becomes infected, your Kalamazoo dentist will perform a root canal, which is a procedure in which the dentist drills into the tooth to access the pulp, then removes the infected pulp out of the tooth, disinfects the empty chamber, refills that pulp chamber with filling material, and then permanently attaches a toothlike prosthetic device known as a crown.

The result is a repaired tooth almost as good as new that will last for many years.

If you are seeking a qualified dentist in Kalamazoo, MI, consider contacting Dr. Rangrass at Dental Care Kalamazoo. For more information call 269-382-5327.